Match preview: Emmen hosts high-flying Cambuur in a midweek showdown
Under the floodlights at De Oude Meerdijk on 09/01/2026, FC Emmen will welcome SC Cambuur in a clash that feels like a crossroads for both clubs. The referee for the night, Dennis Higler, will oversee a fixture where form, firepower and recent meetings point to an open and entertaining contest. Emmen arrive 11th in the table with 28 points from 21 matches; Cambuur sit second with 47. The scoreboard and the recent results suggest this is more than just a top-of-the-table warm-up — it’s a clear test of Cambuur’s promotion credentials against an Emmen side capable of goals at home.
Form and recent meetings
The narrative of the season so far is stark: Emmen have been streaky, producing emphatic home performances — 4-1 over Helmond Sport and a 4-2 win versus Jong AZ — but also suffering heavy defeats like the 4-2 reverse at Almere City on 20 December. Their recent run reads like a rollercoaster with four wins, three draws and three defeats in the last ten. Cambuur, by contrast, travel in confident mood. Six wins, two draws and two losses in their last ten matches include a comprehensive 4-0 dismantling of MVV Maastricht and a steady run of positive results; they’ve also beaten Emmen 3-2 earlier in the season, demonstrating an edge in direct encounters.
Statistically, Emmen are dangerous at De Oude Meerdijk — 26 goals scored at home this season — but they have also conceded 16 on their turf. Cambuur’s overall balance is impressive: 46 goals scored and just 22 conceded across the campaign, plus nine clean sheets. Their away return of 18 goals and 12 conceded away from home underlines a side that can both pose threats and resist pressure when needed.
What to expect — style and goals
This fixture carries potential for open football. Emmen’s matches have shown a propensity for goals (over 2.5 in two-thirds of their games), while Cambuur often finish games with decisive margins. The head-to-head was already high-scoring this season and both teams have shown the willingness to attack. Emmen’s home scoring power combined with Cambuur’s clinical approach suggests chances for both sides, but also hints that Cambuur can do the damage required to take all three points.
Betting suggestion
Drawing on current form, league position and bookmaker pricing, the best suggestion for the 1X2 market is to back SC Cambuur to win. The away price of 2.20 offers value given Cambuur’s superior points tally (47 to Emmen’s 28), a stronger recent run, and a previous 3-2 victory over Emmen earlier in the season. For those thinking about broader strategy and market selection, consult resources on general market approach such as Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and consider how different markets work — for instance, what the handicap market means in sports betting — before staking. Bet responsibly and factor in match tempo, recent heavy fixtures and any late team news that could shift the balance.
